New scams involve residents being tricked into scanning QR codes on bogus government mail
發佈日期: 2026-04-18 21:41
TVB News
The police identified a new type of scam involving residents receiving suspected bogus government mail displaying suspicious QR codes.
Authorities reminded the public not to scan such codes with an unknown origin.
A number of payment platforms these days utilise QR codes, with the digital system having become part and parcel of life in the community.
But many might be unaware of the codes being used in the city's latest scams.
The police noted on social media that there have been recent reports of residents in Mong Kok receiving suspicious mail from a so-called "Prosecution Department".
Documents inside the mail would include displays such as "absolutely confidential", QR codes as well as stamps similar to those issued by the Hongkong Post.
The police reminded residents that authorities usually do not require citizens to provide sensitive information via scanning QR codes on government mail.
They added that those who have received suspicious legal documents should first make inquiries through government websites.
The police further urged residents to increase their awareness when scanning QR codes, especially those with an unknown origin, in hopes of avoiding the installation of malware in their devices.
Speaking on the increasing prominence of QR codes being used in scams, computer security expert Anthony Lai said there have been cases of fraudsters sending bogus payment notices to residents displaying such codes or URLs leading citizens to make payments on fake government websites.
He stressed the cost for scammers to design a QR code is extremely low, emphasising that the risk of residents scanning the codes could result in the leakage of sensitive data such as credit card information as well as the person's residential address.
